The new year is fast approaching and so is the Turlock City Council's consideration of repealing the city's Zoning Ordinance in its entirety, meaning permitting requirements for uses, development standards and permitting processes in all zoning districts will be affected.

Alta Planning and Design has created over 100 active transportation plans for communities across the state and is presently working on the City of Turlock's first plan with the vision of creating "a seamless walking and bicycling network" in the town.

Tuesday was a night of firsts for Gary Soiseth and Matthew Jacob, who were both sworn in as mayor and council member, respectively, before taking their seats behind the council dais alongside Bill DeHart, who was sworn in for his second term.

While the final numbers won't be in for several months, the outlook is positive for the City of Turlock which doesn't anticipate needing to dip into reserves for the 2013-2014 fiscal year as revenues exceed expenses by just over $1.35 million.

Two new individuals will join the legacy of the Turlock City Council on Tuesday as mayor-elect Gary Soiseth and new council member Matthew Jacob will be sworn in alongside incumbent Bill DeHart, who was reelected to the council.

State Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) has introduced a new bill seeking to keep anyone convicted of killing a peace officer from obtaining an early release for medical parole or compassionate release.

After ten years of evolving plans, steps are being taken again towards developing property in the southern part of Turlock known as the Morgan Ranch Master Plan that includes a public school, city parks, and residential housing.

In the aftermath of a rash of lawsuits targeting Central Valley businesses for noncompliance with the American with Disabilities Act, Assembly member Adam Gray (D-Merced) and Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen (R-Modesto) introduced legislation to help businesses become ADA compliant without the fear of a lawsuit.

Communication and collaboration – these are the two main principles Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa spoke of during his swearing in as president of the California State Association of Counties last week.

The Turlock City Council approved the nearly quarter million dollar Turlock Convention and Visitors Bureau budget on Tuesday amidst questions about why the organization, tasked with bringing tourists to town, needs so much money.

The Turlock Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission approved a reaffirmation of a smoking ban dating back from 2003 Tuesday night in a 6-2 vote, with one new caveat: electronic and vapor related products will now be prohibited as well, pending the approval of the City Council.

After the Turlock Planning Commission received what Commissioner Mike Brem called a "very polite, legal tongue lashing" at his final Planning Commission meeting ending his 15 year tenure, the commission approved an amendment to the East Tuolumne Master Plan in a 6-1 vote on Thursday.

Articles by Section - Government

The selection process for the 2015-2016 Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury has started. Citizens interested in serving on the Civil Grand Jury are encouraged to contact the Grand Jury Office at 558-7766 or go on line at: http://stanct.org/sites/default/files/Affidavit%202015_2016.pdf to download an application form.